Patio vs Pergola: Key Differences and How to Choose

If you are planning an outdoor area, you have probably heard people use “patio” and “pergola” interchangeably. That is common in Australia, but the difference usually comes down to one thing: the roof.

This guide breaks down patio vs pergola in practical terms, then helps you choose the right option for your home, budget, and climate.

Key summary

• A patio is typically a covered outdoor structure designed for reliable shade and weather protection.
• A pergola is usually open-roofed or partially roofed, prioritising airflow and filtered light over full weather protection.
• For Australian conditions, steel and insulated roof panels can improve comfort, reduce maintenance, and make the space more usable year-round.

What is a patio?

In most everyday usage, a patio is an outdoor living area designed to be functional in more weather conditions, because it has a solid roof overhead (often attached to the house).

A covered patio is the go-to option when you want outdoor dining, entertaining, or a sheltered extension of the home that you can use more often.

What is a pergola?

A pergola is typically an open-roofed or partially roofed structure that provides shade and style without fully blocking sun and rain.

Pergolas are popular when you want an architectural feature in the garden, a walkway cover, or a space that feels more “outdoor” with vines, battens, or slats overhead.

Patio vs pergola: the key differences

1) Roof coverage and weather protection

• Patio: solid roof for stronger sun and rain protection.
• Pergola: open or partially open roof for filtered light and airflow.

If you want maximum usability through summer storms and winter rain, a roofed patio usually wins.

2) Comfort in heat and noise in rain

If you are building a covered outdoor area, your roof choice affects comfort more than almost anything else. ClickSteel highlights insulated roofing as a way to keep the area comfortable year-round, and its patio kit guidance calls out temperature and rain-noise benefits of insulated roof panels.

3) Use case: entertaining vs landscaping feature

A simple way to decide:

• Choose a patio if you want an outdoor room for dining, BBQs, and regular use.
• Choose a pergola if you want a garden feature, partial shade, and a lighter visual footprint.

Which one is cheaper: patio or pergola?

Costs vary based on span, footings, roof type, engineering, and finishes, but as a rule:

• A pergola can cost less when it stays open-roofed and simple.
• A patio can cost more because the roof system, drainage, and structure often need to do more work.

If you are comparing apples to apples (similar size and similar roof coverage), the material choice and structural design will drive most of the price.

Best materials for patios and pergolas in Australia

Timber

Looks great, but can involve ongoing maintenance like painting, sealing, and potential movement over time.

Steel (including COLORBOND steel)

Steel is popular for strength, cleaner spans, and lower maintenance. ClickSteel specifically positions COLORBOND steel for patios and pergolas around durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance.

COLORBOND also notes patios and pergolas made from COLORBOND steel can be designed with good spanning capability, often reducing the need for lots of posts and rafters.

Patio and pergola roof options that change everything

Insulated roof panels

If you want the space to feel usable in more seasons, insulated roof panels are a strong option for temperature comfort. ClickSteel’s DIY patio guide highlights reduced heat transfer and reduced rain noise as key benefits.

Steel roof sheeting

Steel sheeting is a durable, cost-effective roof option for patios, pergolas, and carports.

Battened or slatted pergola roof

Great for filtered light and design appeal, but it will not provide the same rain protection as a solid roof.

Do you need council approval?

This depends on where you live, the size, the roof type, and whether the structure is attached to the house. ClickSteel’s product FAQs recommend checking with your local government authority.

If you are unsure, treat this as a planning step, not an afterthought, because it can affect the design you choose.

Quick decision checklist

Choose a patio if you want:

• Full shade and rain protection
• A true extension of the home for dining and entertaining
• The option to add insulated roofing for comfort

Choose a pergola if you want:

• Partial shade and filtered light
• A garden feature or walkway cover
• A lighter, more open feel

ClickSteel options for building a patio or pergola

If you are leaning towards steel, ClickSteel offers:

• COLORBOND steel patio and pergola materials, including insulated roof panels and related components
• DIY patio and carport kits designed for easy assembly, using COLORBOND steel and delivered across Australia
• Patio kits that can include insulated roof panels, beams, posts, guttering and fixings, with support available to connect you to installers if needed